There has been an emotional response to the death of Tewkesbury Town Band stalwart Keith Rose.

The 83-year-old was the longest serving member of the band and helped to reform it, after a long period of inactivity, in 1974.

His death prompted the band to pay a lengthy tribute to him on its Facebook page, saying it was “immensely sad” at the unexpected death of its “dear friend”.

It said: “Keith was one of the founder members of the reformed Tewkesbury Town Band and along with his partner Betty Ellis was a driving force behind the band’s continued existence over the years and had spent over half his life as a member of the band through thick and thin.

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“I will always remember first arriving at the band over 26 years ago to be greeted by a real character that seemed to be known to everyone in Tewkesbury and its surroundings. At nearly every event we played at there would be someone asking for him and this has continued to the present day.

“He was nearly always the first one into the pub or at the bar after an engagement (and occasionally before!) and showed great generosity to all. The annual barbecues held at Betty & Keith’s house in Pamington were one of the highlights of the band year.